This rare footage has been compiled from a full-length show at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA in 1980. Songs include Its Not Right, Pink Pussycat, Whip It, Girl U Want, (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction, Swelling Itching ... more &raquoBrain and many more. This is DEV&laquo less

Movie Reviews

Envigorating live show captured in high enough quality

John Frame | Brisbane, Queensland Australia | 10/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As other people have commented, it's a relief to see a whole live performance with a minimum of footage wasted on the live audience. We witness Devo proving what artful craftsmen they were onstage - this is professional showbusiness (but performed with obvious joy). Video quality is very good - and totally appropriate to the audio...neither are pristine, but you wouldn't expect or want that anyway.

I like that on the DVD-Video side you're given the choice of two very different treatments of what was clearly originally a mono recording. I much prefer the soundtrack treatment by Devo's Bob Casale which is an impressive and convincing recreation of the room ambience you'd expect from that venue. (You can choose stereo or 5.1 versions of both treatments). Chapters marks are placed perfectly and the titles are discrete and effective.

The CD side sounds great too. In every respect a superb product and an invaluable complement to their music video collection. "

It's good to be retro Devo - or is that redundent?

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 09/01/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Geez, considering the slagging DEVO (and by extension, their fans) took during their heyday, it's amazing to realize that there is a wealth of material back on the racks in the past few years. Almost their entire catalog is back in print (and all the Warners albums), a series of DVD releases and even a tour! And as for the slew of concert discs to hit the market of late, "Live 1980" is a genuine treasure. It captures DEVO just around the time their national fame was snowballing, on the "Freedom Of Choice" tour. (Think red Energy Domes.)

It makes the DVD a very interesting document in the fact that the band is still pretty raw. In fact, if there is any detriment to this DVD, it is that the recording quality isn't up to snuff for the sound. There are frequent splatters of distortion and the mix isn't always perfect, but this was a punky band live! So for the viewing sequences, you can overlook the sonic flaws; but it does make the CD side a ragged listen. If you really want a strong document of roughly the same concert, Rhino Handmade offers the "Dev-O Live" full length concert.

But you wanted to WATCH, eh, spud? Then "Live 1980" will fill you up. Opening with "Whip It," the band cascades through early material from the first three albums, including "Pink Pussycat" and "Swelling Itching Brain" from "Duty Now For The Future." Mark Mothersbaugh proves that he may be one of the most underrated frontmen of all time with his quirky automaton style, and the band zaps and squanks its way through with those primitive synths.

Also interesting is that this was obviously not being shot for commercial release 25 years ago. The lack of intercut audience shots is very conspicuous and most welcome. You have the cameras trained the entire time on the band and not on goofball audience members with pumping fists and home-made energy helmets. It makes the concert that much more watchable.

And finally, the final proof that De-evolution is very real; The opening "Star Wars" crawler that describes the tension of free thinkers during the age of Reagan, and then points out that things have since continued rolling backwards with "Emperor W" and his extremist enemies. It gets the show rolling with a sly snicker at our not so recent history. So...say it with me, ya'll....are we not men?"

A must for Devo fans!!!

Erik Vermeulen | Minneapolis, MN | 09/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are plenty of unofficial live recordings of Devo out there, but not many visual recordings. Lately that has changed with the release of several excellent DVD's.This one however takes you right back to their most successful stage in their career with a recently discovered live taping of their live show. The picture quality is acceptable - not perfect - considering it's been around since 1980. The sound quality is also good, but what is the biggest attraction to this DVD is the high level of energy that oozes from the band, who whip through a great set of songs with great character.The entire set is on the DVD, with a couple of extras, which makes it a worthwhile addition to ANY Devo collection. From the first notes, it is impossible not to tap along, and if you know the words to many of their songs - like I do - you'll find yourself singing along as well. On the other side of this DVD is the audio of the show (so a normal CD) so you basically get 2 for the price of 1... excellent!!!Buy it now and you won't regret it. I can see the comment from the person who said it was out of sync - there are a few moments when the camera is far from stage where the sound is not equal to the movements, but the close up during the same son are, so this is not a big issue at all. Enjoy!"

Essential purchase for Devo fans

J. Galeoto | Boston, MA | 09/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In response to the first review, there is no problem with the synch. He has a bad player or a defective disc. I read a review on another site from someone complaining that the camera shots are blurry. Only the far shots are blurred but it doesn't take anything away from the performance because the editing is so quick, the far shots are only a few seconds at a time. The picture is excellent for footage that is 25 years old. The close-up footage is clear. The sound is incredible, especially if you have a multi-speaker system. For $10-$12, this dvd is a steal and a must for any Devo fan. You will NOT be disappointed and unlike some live dvds, this one begs for repeat viewings. An amazing document, I can't recommend it enough."

Synch is perfect!

E. H. Seaman | valley forge PA | 08/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have watched this DVD on multiple players and computer screens, and the synch is perfect - the problem one user witnessed was a fluke. Plus there are tons of excellent media reviews and all of these are very good, none of them mention any problem with synch.

The program is great - I knew Devo as the MTV band with the crazy vids, never knew what a great live band they were. Excellent performance, executed with so much energy & passion. And considering this is early videotape, it looks & sounds fantastic."